Individually addressable planar patch clamp array

We present a new planar, silicon-based patch clamp array. Each patch site is vertically oriented, which allows simultaneous use of scanning probe, optical, or fluorescent detection technologies. Each microfabricated patch site is also connected to its own fluidic channel so that the array can be used for parallel screening of cells or analysis of tethered lipid membranes or vesicles that express the proteins of interest. A single unit, fully three-dimensional ring-shaped patch clamp recording device has been designed and fabricated.